Scared of anal herpes!

[lanaturner251]

About twice a month or so (sometimes less frequently) the skin around my anus gets very pink (extends about 2" out). I don't see any sores but the skin may be a little cracked like right around the anus. I've never had anal sex nor have I received oral anally. I've only been with 2 people always protected and my first time was also a virgin (the other guy I only slept with around 8 times, he says he is clean and has never had any outbreaks of anything, he was 7 months ago). I do wear lace thongs frequently and I noticed that may irritate it after a while but I haven't in the last week, only cotton regular underwear. I also wipe with regular rough toilet paper that may not entirely clean the stool out (yuck I know). My BMs have been fairly normal. I have noticed no blood, there isn't any itching. The skin around my anus is just pink and tender. I don't know what to do. I can't keep spending tons of money at the doctor but I'm so scared it's sexually transmitted or something. What should I do??

[HowardH]

It's really up to you how urgent this is. If you are in pain or discomfort, or still anxious about herpes and STDs and would benefit from professional reassurance, see a doctor now. Otherwise, if you're able to live with your symptoms, bring it up during your next routine women's health appointment (contraception refill etc).

[lanaturner251]

I've never seen a doctor for the anal issue. I've always forgotten to mention it. I've seen a doctor because I was worried about razor burn being herpes and just to get general testing (not herpes testing though). I'm just not sure if I should see someone. It's not painful it's just tender and I only really notice it when I wipe, not when I'm walking or sitting. Should I be seeing a doctor? I'm just really paranoid about STDs now that I've had two partners and am hyper sensitive about everything. Also, thank you for your response. I appreciate you taking the time to talk to people who are concerned about similar issues.

[HowardH]

These symptoms are not typical for anal herpes, and for the reaons you state yourself, you are little or no risk for it.  "Extends out 2 inches" suggests rectal prolapse, which in turn can be associated with symptoms of irritation. On the other hand, your "tons of money" comments suggests you have seen one or more doctors about this. If they reassured you about herpes or other significant anal disorders, I think you can safely accept it and move on without worry. OTOH, if you haven't seen a colon and rectal surgeon or proctologist about "extends 2 inches", that would be a logical next step. But I really no reason you should be at all concerned about herpes.

Best wishes and good luck.